Karabakh settlement success doesn’t depend on OSCE MG: U.S. Co-chair

May 24, 2014 - 13:58 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The success or failure of the Karabakh peace process depends on political will of conflicting sides, rather than any of the Minsk Group Co-chairs, the U.S. Co-chair said, commenting on Azeri leadership’s discontent over his Tweeter posts on the Karabakh settlement.

According to APA, James Warlick also spoke of his Twitter post, suggesting joint use of Sarsang reservoir by conflicting sides.

“The Sarsang reservoir represents an opportunity: people on both sides of the Line of Contact could work together to have an immediate, positive impact on those living in areas affected by this conflict. A mutually acceptable solution would address demand for reliable electricity and irrigation water, just as it did before the conflict began. We continue to support any measures that could reduce tensions and begin restoring trust between the sides”, he emphasized.

Earlier, Ambassador Warlick posted the reservoir photo on his Tweeter page, noting below, “This is Sarsang reservoir. It would be a positive step if the sides could jointly manage water resources.”

On May 19, the The Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group crossed the Line of Contact near Terter. They expressed regret for the continued ceasefire violations and consequent casualties.

They also visited the Sargsang reservoir, and discussed its status and operations with managers of the facility. They expressed their hope that the sides (Karabakh and Azerbaijan) will reach an agreement to jointly manage these water resources to the benefit of the region.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.